Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

42. Osmoregulation and Excretion

Osmoregulation and Excretion

General Biology

42. Osmoregulation and Excretion

Osmoregulation and Excretion

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0:26 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

Unlike an earthworm's metanephridia, a mammalian nephron
a. Is intimately associated with a capillary network.
b. Functions in both osmoregulation and excretion.
c. Receives filtrate from blood instead of coelomic fluid.
d. Has a transport epithelium.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the function of a mammalian nephron: It is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing necessary substances, and excreting waste as urine.

Compare the nephron to the earthworm's metanephridia: Metanephridia are excretory structures in earthworms that filter coelomic fluid, not blood.

Identify the key differences: A mammalian nephron receives filtrate directly from the blood, whereas metanephridia receive it from coelomic fluid.

Consider the role of the capillary network: The nephron is closely associated with a capillary network, specifically the glomerulus, which is crucial for filtering blood.

Evaluate the options: Analyze each option to determine which one highlights a unique feature of the mammalian nephron compared to the earthworm's metanephridia.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nephron Structure and Function

The nephron is the functional unit of the mammalian kidney, responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing essential nutrients, and excreting waste. It consists of a glomerulus, where blood filtration occurs, and a tubular system that processes the filtrate. This structure is closely associated with a capillary network, facilitating efficient exchange and regulation of substances.

Osmoregulation and Excretion

Osmoregulation is the process by which organisms maintain fluid balance and concentration of solutes, while excretion involves the removal of metabolic waste. In mammals, the nephron plays a dual role in both processes, adjusting the composition of urine to regulate water and electrolyte balance, and eliminating waste products like urea from the bloodstream.

Transport Epithelium

Transport epithelium refers to specialized cells that facilitate the movement of substances across cellular membranes. In the nephron, these cells line the tubules and are crucial for selective reabsorption and secretion, allowing the kidney to fine-tune the composition of blood and urine. This selective transport is vital for maintaining homeostasis in the body.